Drs. Alexandria C. Weaver, Daniel Weaver, Alexandros Yiannikouris and Niccholas Adams collaborated to prepare a comprehensive meta-analysis of the effects of mycotoxins and the benefits of yeast cell wall extract supplements*. Data was extracted from 25 research papers in peer-reviewed journals evaluating the ameliorative effect of a commercial yeast cell wall extract (Mycosorb™ ) on performance parameters including weight gain, feed conversion and livability all incorporated in the European Production Efficiency Factor (EEF).
Mycotoxins in feed depressed body weight by approximately 217 grams over a 35-day grow-out. Concurrently mycotoxins reduced feed conversion efficiency by 0.12 points. Mortality was increased by two percent by inclusion of various levels of mycotoxin in feed.
The deleterious effects of mycotoxins were partly reversed by adding Mycosorb™ to diets, and increasing body weight by 65g compared to non-supplemented controls. Feed conversion was improved by 5 points and the EEF was raised by 17 points.
Applying data to a simulated life cycle assessment with a hypothetical 100,000 bird per week operation, supplementing diets with Mycosorb™ in the presence of diverse mycotoxins in feed could result in an additional 1,740 birds sold each week representing an incremental 11.1 metric tons of product while eliminating emission of 25 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.